Kansas Medicare Supplement
Senior citizens residing in Kansas and who need help with their general healthcare and special medical needs will be happy to know that Medicare Supplements (Medigap) are available in your state. While Original Medicare already provides a good list of benefits, it does not cover most of the possible scenarios that the aging population faces. Supplementary insurance in the form of Medicare Supplements can help bridge the gap so you don’t end up exhausting your retirement savings just for medical expenses. It is an additional monthly expense, yes, but its benefits far outweigh the stress of not having it.
Medicare Supplements are divided into 10 plans, all of which are standardized by the U.S. government. This means that their list of benefits will be the same no matter what state you are in, though how much they cost will differ depending on the insurance company selling it. Only three states offer different Medigap programs (Minnesota, Massachusetts and Wisconsin). The ones offered in Kansas are the same as the rest of the country.
Best Time to Buy an Kansas Medicare Supplement
To ensure guaranteed approval, you should apply for a Kansas Medicare Supplement during your Open Enrollment Period. This is the six-month window when you can purchase any of the 10 Medigap plans without being required to undergo medical underwriting. Meaning, if you have a past or current health condition, the insurance provider cannot charge you a higher monthly fee or reject your application. Open Enrollment starts on the first day of the month that you turn 65 years old. For example, if you are celebrating your 65th birthday on August 18, then your Open Enrollment period starts August 1 and ends six months from then.
If you miss Open Enrollment, there is no guarantee that your application will be approved. If you do succeed, the insurance provider will have the right to charge a higher monthly premium and it will not be penalized for denying you or increasing its charges.
Kansas State Senior Population
Kansas ranks 31st among the 30 U.S. states in terms of total population, according to the World Population Review. As of 2019, its estimated population is 2.92 million, with the most populous city being Wichita (389,000), seconded by Overland Park (185,500), then Kansas City (151,300). The percentage of senior citizens is 14.6%, which means that much of the state will be dealing with more people in their twilight years moving forward. While the typical yearly income for Kansas seniors is at the median range, this still does not discount the importance of having a reliable and solid insurance plan in case health emergencies arise.
Kansas is projected to experience a 21.8% rise in population from 2014 to 2064, but it’s working-age population (18 to 64 years old) is set to increase by just 10.3%. In addition, this demographic is expected to move out of the state to pursue better wages and opportunities elsewhere. That said, Kansas will be left with more senior citizens than ever.
These figures all the more highlight how important it is to have insurance programs that will help augment expenses in the future. Medicare Supplements provide the peace of mind that seniors need, especially at this age when they have stopped working and are only relying on their savings.
Applying for a Medicare Supplement in Kansas
To apply for any Medigap policy in Kansas, you must be a resident of the state AND already be enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and Part B. Purchasing a Medicare Supplement is conditional on these two. Also, do note that while Original Medicare is sold by the government, Medigap plans are purchased through private insurers. This can mean that pricing will be different depending on the company and your location. There are dozens of firms that sell Medicare Supplements in Kansas so do you research and compare offerings to see which one best fits your budget.
Medicare Supplements do not take care of all a senior citizen’s healthcare needs, but it’s a lot better than not getting one. They do not cover vision or dental care, long-term care (as in a nursing home), hearing aids, private-duty nursing, and prescription eyeglasses. If you want coverage for these, you may purchase them as extras. Some insurers in Kansas offer a discounted rate for non-smokers, spouses, female buyers, or groups. They might also provide a lower price if you purchase additional policies beyond Medigap. Be sure to ask about such offers.
How Much Do Kansas Medigap Policies Cost?
The average cost of Medicare Supplements in Kansas is $134 per month, or $1,608 per year. The highest per-month average of $162.25 and $158.66 are logged for Massachusetts and Nevada, respectively, although Massachusetts has a unique Medigap structure unlike other U.S. states. Hawaii offers the lowest average at $109.16 per month.
Actual pricing will depend on the type of plan that you avail and the insurance company selling it. While the government requires that all Medicare Supplements have the same benefits across the country, regardless of the seller, the companies are allowed to set their own premium rates as they see fit.
In addition, there are certain changes coming to Medigap guidelines in the next years. Starting January 1, 2020, Medigap plans will no longer include the Part B deductible. This means that Plan C and Plan F will no longer be sold to new Medicare enrollees. However, if you already enrolled in these plans, you may continue to use them. This new ruling applies to all Medicare Supplements across the country, regardless of the insurance agency providing them.
The thought of studying and comparing Medicare Supplement plans can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a new enrollee or are looking to switch. Our team of experienced and licensed Medigap advisors are more than happy to guide you every step of the way. We can assist with all Medicare Supplement related inquiries for Kansas, as well as guide you through the whole selection process. Get in touch with us at 1-800-791-0150.
